A Beekeeper’s View: What It’s Like to Collect a Swarm

Every spring, the call comes in:

“There’s a huge clump of bees in my garden – can you help?”

As a professional beekeeper based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, swarm season is one of the most unpredictable – and rewarding – parts of my year. Over the seasons I’ve collected swarms from all sorts of places:  from tree branches and hedges to buddleia bushes, bonfire piles, chicken coops… even a swarm hanging inside a gas pipe! I've also intercepted a few just in time before they moved into someone’s attic.

It’s never boring – and it’s never quite the same twice.

What’s Actually Happening During a Swarm?

A honey bee swarm might look dramatic – thousands of bees flying through the air or clustered in a dense ball on a branch – but it’s actually one of the most natural (and important) events in the bee world.

Swarming is how a healthy honey bee colony reproduces. When the hive becomes overcrowded, the bees begin preparing to split. The workers raise a new queen in the original hive, while the old queen goes with a portion of the colony – often between 5,000 to 15,000 bees – and head off to start anew.

The swarm will leave the hive in a cloud of bees, filling the air for a few moments like a living snow globe. It’s noisy, yes, but it’s not aggressive. The bees are focused on following the queen and staying together, not defending territory. Once they find a safe temporary resting spot – a branch, a bush, a gatepost, or even a gas pipe – they cluster around the queen to protect her. This is what you see as the visible swarm.

From there, scout bees go out in all directions, searching for a new home. This could be a hollow tree, a chimney, or a nice dry roof space (which is why catching them early is so important!). The scouts report back with details, and the colony makes a collective decision – a true example of insect democracy. This resting phase can last a few hours, sometimes even a couple of days. If we can collect them during this stage, we can safely rehome them before they settle somewhere difficult.

It’s a race against time, really – and a bit of a dance with nature.

Tools of the Trade (and a Bit of Patience)

Swarm collection usually involves a box or skep, a bee suit, and a calm approach. Depending on where the bees have landed, I might gently shake them into a box, brush them in, or even scoop them by hand.

Sometimes it’s straightforward – other times you’re crouched in a hedge or standing up a ladder, trying not to spook the bees or fall off the ladder!

Timing matters too. I once arrived to find a swarm showing signs that  it was going to move into the attic cavity. A while later and that would have been a job for a specialist removal team.

Why Swarm Collection Matters

Whenever we can safely relocate a swarm into a managed hive, we’re giving that new colony a fighting chance of survival – and helping pollination across the Waveney Valley too.

It’s also a great opportunity to help people feel less afraid and more curious. Swarms might look alarming, but once you understand what’s happening, it’s truly one of the most awe-inspiring sights in nature.

Based in Norfolk or Suffolk and Seen a Swarm?

If you spot a swarm of bees – a large cluster hanging in the open – don’t panic. Keep your distance, take a photo if you can, and get in touch. We’re happy to help guide you or connect you with local support.

You can find more information and contact details on our Swarm Collection page.